Words of Ezekiel

Dear Friends,

This Sunday’s first reading (Ezekiel 33:7-9) always reminds me of a story from the life of St. Francis dating from the year 1247 or thereabouts. It’s a homily in itself, though I have to think the Dominicans (Order of Preachers) would recall the story a little differently…

Enjoy!   Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor

While he was staying in Siena, someone from the Order of Preachers happened to arrive; he was a spiritual man and a Doctor of Sacred Theology. He visited blessed Francis, and he and the holy man enjoyed a long and sweet conversation about the words of the Lord.

This teacher asked him about the words of Ezekiel: If you do not warn the wicked man about his wickedness, I will hold you responsible for his soul. “I'm acquainted with many people, good father, who live in mortal sin, as I'm aware. But I don't always warn them about their wickedness. Will I then be held responsible for their souls?"

Blessed Francis then said that he was an unlettered man, and it would be better for him to be taught by the other rather than to answer a question about Scripture. But that humble teacher replied: "Brother, it's true I have heard these words explained by some wise men; still, I'd be glad to hear how you understand it." So blessed Francis said to him: "If that passage is supposed to be understood in a universal sense, then I understand it to mean that a servant of God should be burning with life and holiness so brightly, that by the light of example and the tongue of his conduct, he will rebuke all the wicked. In that way, I say, the brightness of his life and the fragrance of his reputation will proclaim their wickedness to all of them."

That man went away greatly edified, and said to the companions of blessed Francis: "My brothers, the theology of this man, held aloft by purity and contemplation, is a soaring eagle, while our learning crawls on its belly on the ground"  (cf. Gen. 3:14)

(from: the Assisi Compilation #35)